The journey of Walford Anglican School for Girls, from its humble beginnings in 1893, to standing proudly as a leading all-girls’ school in 2023, reflects a legacy of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Walford’s vision to empower each student to achieve her best, her way, is timeless. Walford has always had ambitious aspirations for girls, and a limitless view of their capabilities and potential to change the world for the better. Throughout the decades since Lydia Adamson founded Walford in her family home, and Ellen Benham taught STEM to girls in 1912, the School has thrived, adapting to a changing world, and always pushing the boundaries of girls’ education.

Our Walford 130 Grand Gala was a joyful celebration of Walford’s 130 years of educating girls and young women, and of building a community of students, parents and alumnae whose lifelong connections and meaningful contributions reach far into the world. More than that, the evening was part of a collective philanthropic effort to transform the lives of young women, with fundraising efforts going towards the Frances Adamson Scholarship.

This new scholarship, named after Walford old scholar and Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, is for young women who would otherwise be unable to benefit from a Walford education. Recipients will contribute much to our school through their embodiment of our values of Courage, Commitment, Community and Growth; and will no doubt contribute far beyond the School in all they go on to achieve and do.

Walford girls, young women and old scholars embody Walford’s motto of Virtute et Veritate – ‘Moral Courage and Truth’. At the Gala, the moving speech by our guest speaker, scholarship recipient and outgoing Boarding House Captain, Sara, received a standing ovation for its authenticity and courage.

Each girl has always been Walford’s north star. It is our students—their gifts, their achievements and their voices—that shine bright and illuminate our staff’s unwavering commitment to each student’s wellbeing and education. Each girl is the beacon that guides parents’ partnerships with us in cherishing and nurturing the individuality of each student, including those who are yet to even imagine that a place for them belongs in our school.

Safeena Husain said that “girls’ education is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet to help solve some of the world’s most difficult problems.” Everyone in our community is passionate about the opportunities a Walford education can unlock. It is with sincere thanks I acknowledge our remarkable organising committee, and our Gala sponsors: Coopers, Dandelion Wines, Amelia Burge, Bosworth Wines, Ditters, Norwood Foodland, CW Wines, On the Table Events, Cater Care, Ouwens Casserly Real Estate, Matthews Architects, Openbook Howden, Klemm Homes, Simon Alexander and Zagame, and equally as important, our community. Without their support, this scholarship would not be possible.

Together at the Gala, our special community supported our wonderful school while being part of something larger than ourselves: offering life-changing opportunities to deserving and exceptional girls.

Dr Deborah Netolicky
Principal